I came across this article published on Straits Times on September 24, 2023, where an online survey conducted by the PAP Seniors Group (PAPSG) and National Trades Union Congress U Women and Family, which sought to garner views on retirement, re-employment and flexible work arrangements. Among those surveyed, about nine in 10 (87.9 per cent) Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 50 and above supported a retirement age of 63 years and higher, and eight in 10 supported an official re-employment age of 68 and above.
Personal Perspective: Choice and Flexibility in Retirement Planning (40s)
As someone in their early 40s, I firmly believe that individuals should have the autonomy to choose when they want to stop working, free from rigid retirement age policies. I see the evolution of abilities and work preferences over time as a natural part of aging. In my youth, I relished constant business travels, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to value family time and prefer a more balanced lifestyle.
This perspective underscores the importance of adaptable retirement options that recognize the changing needs and desires of individuals as they age. It’s about finding the right balance between work, leisure, and family, allowing each person to chart their own course towards a fulfilling retirement. Choice and flexibility empower individuals to design their futures according to their unique circumstances and aspirations, bridging the generational gaps in how we approach life’s priorities.
I believe that there appears to be a noticeable generation gap when it comes to the discussion surrounding the extension of re-employment and retirement ages in Singapore, especially within the context of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which first originated from the best-selling book Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez, and Early Retirement Extreme by Jacob Lund Fisker. The ‘FIRE retirement planning tips’ eventually gained popularity via online communities and social media.
In today’s fast-paced world, generational differences in life priorities have become more pronounced than ever. The older generation, shaped by an era with different norms, often sees retirement as a hard-earned reward after years of dedicated work. They may be wary of the idea of delaying retirement, concerned it might infringe upon their long-anticipated leisure years.
Younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Zs, aspire to a flexible lifestyle that revolves around personal experiences and self-fulfillment. For them, the pursuit of financial independence and early retirement isn’t just a distant dream; it’s a blueprint for escaping financial stress and unlocking their passions and self-actualization at an accelerated pace.
Millennials and Gen Z: The Pursuit of Freedom and Fulfillment
- Flexible Lifestyle: For younger generations, life isn’t about adhering to traditional career paths. Instead, they seek flexibility, allowing them to prioritize personal experiences, travel, and personal growth. The idea is to craft a life that’s truly their own.
- Early Retirement Dreams: Financial independence and early retirement represent a departure from the norm. They see these as means to unshackle themselves from financial constraints, enabling them to chase their passions and achieve self-actualization more swiftly.
- Tech-Savvy Approach: Millennials and Gen Zs are natives in the digital age. They eagerly leverage technology for various aspects of their lives, including finances. This tech-savviness opens doors to remote work, online businesses, and investment opportunities, fast-tracking their journey toward financial freedom.
- FIRE Movement: These generations are ready to embrace the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) principles that emphasize frugality, extreme savings, and strategic investments. They recognize that this approach can expedite their retirement goals and usher in the life they desire.
Older Generations: The Weight of Financial Responsibility
- Cost of Living Concerns: Older generations in Singapore often bear the weight of concerns related to the increasing cost of living. They have experienced times when building wealth required prolonged and arduous efforts.
- Work Ethic: Working long hours and displaying an unwavering work ethic has been the norm for many from older generations. They have dedicated their lives to securing their financial futures.
Bridging Generational Perspectives: Choice and Flexibility
In a world where generational perspectives diverge, it’s vital to acknowledge the distinct priorities of each group. While the younger generation charts a course towards freedom and fulfillment, the older generation’s dedication to financial security and stability remains commendable.
Planning for Retirement in the Face of Inflation
Commencing retirement planning in your 20s or 30s may appear early, but given the relentless inflation in Singapore, initiating legacy planning well in advance is no longer a mere recommendation; I believe that it has become a necessity.
Based on the July inflation rate of 3.8 percent, a rather conservative figure, consider this: a bowl of fishball noodles currently priced at S$5 could potentially cost you a staggering S$15 in 30 years. This inflation-driven reality implies that the amount you perceive as sufficient for retirement may need to multiply multiple times over three decades. If this isn’t a wake-up call to inspire you to begin saving for retirement early, then what is?
The Importance of Saving and Investing
For the younger generation, it’s crucial to view saving and investing as indispensable components of their retirement plan. The power of compounding and strategic investment can help them accumulate the wealth needed to achieve their early retirement dreams while navigating the challenges posed by inflation.
In conclusion, while generational perspectives on life priorities may diverge, the importance of choice and flexibility in retirement planning remains universally significant. The evolving landscape of work, technology, and financial strategies has made achieving this balance more attainable than ever before. In the face of inflation, early retirement planning is not merely a financial aspiration but a mandatory step to secure your future. Crafting the life you desire and deserve is an endeavor worth pursuing, irrespective of your age or generation.